Don't Let Anyone Deceive You With Meaningless Words

“You know very well that no person who is involved in sexual sin, perversion, or greed (which means worshiping wealth) can have any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Don’t let anyone deceive you with meaningless words. It is because of sins like these that God’s anger comes to those who refuse to obey him. Don’t be partners with them.” Ephesians 5:5-7 GWT

It seems that Paul is admonishing the Ephesian Church for allowing this type of practice to persist within their community. He is issuing a stern warning that those who engage in such sin will not inherit God's kingdom. Deceivers had infiltrated the Church, spreading falsehoods about Christ's kingdom and promoting promiscuity and the pursuit of wealth as a means to fulfill God's purposes.

The Church today faces a similar challenge, as many liberal churches promote pre-marital cohabitation and gay and lesbian lifestyles. However, the Church's primary role should be to promote Christ and His love for humanity rather than focusing on specific lifestyle choices. In some ways, the Church has lost its way in this regard. Just as we correct our children's misbehavior and yet love them for who they are, we should also love and accept people who have chosen different lifestyles, even if they are family members. We can love them while simultaneously disapproving of their behavior, separating the behavior from the person.

It comes down to the fact that we are all sinners without Christ. People can choose their own way and flaunt their freedoms like a flag for all to see. That understanding makes it clear that none of us is better than anyone else. No matter what proclivities anyone adheres to, we are equally broken before the Lord. But that isn’t where we stay; we are called to a better life in Christ.

When we come to Jesus, we surrender our lives to Him, not out of fear or obligation, but because He is God Who loves us unconditionally. He longs to fill our lives with His Spirit, drawing us to be more like Him. This journey is not about conforming to rules or ideals but connecting with our creator, who loves us deeply. As we grow in this relationship, we begin to understand that His nature is love, and as we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us, we reflect the very essence of His love.

I've come across intense debates about the inclusion of LGBTQ individuals in the church. These discussions only seem to create more division and animosity. First and foremost, we must avoid labeling people because it's a biased way of categorizing individuals. Additionally, God's love surpasses all boundaries, including race, religion, culture, and those with physical or mental challenges. God's love embraced us even when we were in defiance of Him, and no one pushed us away because we were deemed "too sinful" or "too immoral"; we were welcomed with open arms. Therefore, we should be even more accepting of others who seek to come to Christ.

“I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.”                                    2 Corinthians 2:5-8 LNT

As I have spoken in the past, we are not the judges of others; God is. If a person comes to Jesus and receives Him as their savior, It is not up to us to point out a person’s sin unless it affects or involves others. The Holy Spirit can bring conviction into a person’s life to bring effectual change. It may take a while and a lot of prayer and intercession, but we must leave it in God’s hands. Coming to Jesus can be messy, and it never seems to come with a pretty bow and a colorful box; it usually comes with dirty, smelly people who are disheveled and broken with a deep need to be loved. How we respond to these needy people determines the power the gospel and the community of believers can have on their lives.

In the 70s & 80s, the Jesus People movement was sparked by a young pastor who saw a need. He welcomed young people seeking to know Jesus into his home through the influence of his daughter. One of these young people was a Hippie named Lonnie, whose life was transformed when he encountered God on a deeply personal level. Lonnie's transformation was so profound that he began drawing other young people to this home fellowship, which soon overflowed with other young Hippies seeking to know Jesus. The pastor, despite his initial discomfort, responded to this need. This is the call of the gospel-not to judge but to love and meet the need.

The gospel's call in our time has not changed; it is still powerful and potent in offering hope and healing, bringing change to people who need it the most.

Stephen Barnett